This month’s recap is shorter than normal because I am under the weather and have had too much going on to put as much energy into it as I normally have in the past. Also, I’m getting pretty burnt out on creating these roundups and recaps and I’m not sure if I’m going to continue creating them in the future. But for now I hope you enjoy this somewhat-abbreviated monthly recap of what happened in the world of psychedelics during July 2021.
Here’s a video version of this month’s recap if you’d prefer to watch the update instead:
Without further ado, let’s jump into the news.
Drug Policy
Wins
A new law in Colorado restricting the ability of paramedics to administer ketamine outside of the hospital and prohibiting police officers from influencing whether the drug is given to suspects was signed into law this month. Now paramedics will need to try to get a verbal order from a medical supervisor, obtain an accurate estimation of the person’s weight to determine the proper dosage, and have equipment on hand to monitor vital signs and transport patients to the hospital if needed. These changes come after a two-year investigation into the misuse of ketamine by officials in Colorado that turned up a handful of questionable cases, including the death of Elijah McClain in 2019.
Research
Historians have long thought that cannabis was first domesticated in Central Asia, but a study published last month found evidence that China is the more likely source. The plant was grown 12,000 years ago during the Neolithic period, and it was likely used for a variety of reasons including fibers, medicine, and food.
Miscellaneous
The Tokyo 2020 Olympics got off to a rough start when U.S. sprinter Sha’Carri Richardson was disqualified from competing in the 100-meter race because she failed a drug test. Sha’Carri used marijuana (in a state where it is legal, no less) to cope with the recent death of her mother. This prompted a conversation about whether athletes should be allowed to use cannabis prior to competing, and while Sha’Carri had to sit this one out, hopefully future olympians and athletes will be able to use non-performance-enhancing drugs without any issues.
That’s all for this month’s update. Remember to always test and weigh your drugs and until next time—keep thinking wilder.
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